Take a boat cruise along the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula and experience the wildlife and diverse marine life of this remote wilderness
The fauna of the Shiretoko Peninsula is best seen from the water. In summer, look for whales, while winter brings magnificent drift ice from the Sea of Okhotsk.
The port city of Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula is an ideal base for wildlife cruises in the Sea of Okhotsk. Summer is a great time for whale watching as the deep waters just offshore attract minke whales, giant beaked whales, and Dall’s porpoises. Huge herds of petrels also come to Rausu in summer, all the way from Australia.
In winter, the landscape changes dramatically as giant ice flows float south from the Russian Far East. This is the southernmost region in the Northern Hemisphere to see ryuhyo drifting on sea ice. This harsh environment is suited to Steller’s sea eagles and white eagles numbering 2,000 in February. After the birds migrate, rare spotted seals can be seen on the floating ice. The best way to see wildlife up close is to take a drift-ice boat cruise that Only One Travel can book as part of any Hokkaido winter itinerary.